§ MR. H. C. STEPHENS (Middlesex, Hornsey)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether he is aware that the payment of £2,500 to the Post Office authorities by the Commissioners of Sewers has the condition attached that the money is to be applied to the purchase of the vacant land in Little Britain as an open space for ever; and that the vicar and churchwardens of St. Botolph are willing to undertake the maintenance of the whole garden; and whether, as the acquisition of the frontage to Little Britain for the Post Office property will increase light and air and give greater security from fire, he will give further consideration to the matter?
§ MR. HANBURYThis is a Question for the Treasury. I am informed by the Post Office that the condition mentioned by my hon. Friend was attached to the purchase, but I have little doubt that in any case the payment will be made. The vicar and churchwardens are willing to undertake the maintenance of the garden, but only if the funds for doing so are provided out of the public purse. The matter has been fully considered, and the advantages named in the Question are not considerable, and are not such as to justify so large an expenditure of public funds.
§ MR. STEPHENSArising out of the answer, may I ask if the condition mentioned in the Question was attached to the payment?
§ MR. HANBURYYes, Sir, the condition was attached, but it was not so attached in accordance with the Treasury sanction, and we cannot recognise it. We shall expect the money to be paid.